Analysis
A mathematics bachelor's degree from Eckerd College appears to track with typical outcomes for Florida math programs, though the lack of actual graduate data makes this harder to assess with confidence. The estimated $46,106 first-year salary aligns exactly with Florida's median for math programs, while the estimated $21,750 debt sits slightly above the state norm of $20,050. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47, graduates would theoretically face manageable repayment—roughly half their first-year income—though this assumes earnings materialize as predicted.
The challenge is context. Similar programs at Florida's larger public universities show reported earnings ranging from $46,000 to $51,000, with UCF graduates earning about $5,000 more in their first year. Whether Eckerd's smaller class sizes and liberal arts focus translate into comparable career preparation is an open question when actual outcomes aren't available. The school's 16% Pell Grant rate and higher-than-average SAT scores suggest a relatively affluent student body, which may influence post-graduation opportunities in ways that broad state estimates can't capture.
For parents, the core uncertainty is whether this specific program delivers outcomes that justify the investment. The estimates suggest reasonable financial positioning if Eckerd's graduates mirror statewide patterns, but without actual data, you're essentially betting on peer performance. If your child is drawn to Eckerd's intimate setting and marine-science-adjacent location, ask admissions directly about graduate outcomes, career services strength, and employer relationships in Tampa-St. Petersburg's growing tech and finance sectors.
Where Eckerd College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (29 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,374 | $46,106* | — | $21,750* | — | |
| $6,368 | $51,315* | — | $11,692* | 0.23 | |
| $5,656 | $49,919* | $52,985 | $27,811* | 0.56 | |
| $6,565 | $49,507* | $75,378 | —* | — | |
| $6,389 | $46,176* | $44,283 | $17,345* | 0.38 | |
| $6,381 | $46,036* | $67,189 | $16,675* | 0.36 | |
| National Median | — | $48,772* | — | $21,500* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Eckerd College, approximately 16% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.